More unhappy Florida couples begin a new life chapter in January by filing for divorce more than any other time of year.

Couples ending a marriage sometimes choose divorce mediation. Mediation allows a settlement to be reached out-of-court using one specialized attorney who helps spouses forge an agreement. The process is less expensive and less contentious than standard divorce.

There is another divorce option that has gained recognition and popularity among couples and family law attorneys. Collaborative divorce is a method by which each spouse hires a lawyer to negotiate an agreement in a non-combative setting.

The divorcing couple and each attorney sign a promise to trade essential information to resolve problems. The focus of collaborative divorce is to reach a fair, agreeable settlement between spouses while avoiding conflict. Solutions are sought to benefit both parties without the winner-loser mentality common in litigated divorces.

A collaborative divorce also offers something that divorce mediation cannot provide. During mediation, legal representatives do not play the roles of advisers to each client for asset distribution, child support and custody or spousal maintenance. In collaborative divorce, professionals like financial or child health care specialists can be hired temporarily to advise a spouse in negotiations.

A mediated divorce is the least expensive method, compared to litigated or collaborative divorce. Legal specialists say mediation may be an ideal solution for spouses who are knowledgeable of their own rights and know what they want.

Collaboration proponents say mediation's neutrality does not offer the advantage of legal representation and advice that some disadvantaged spouses need. Mediators contend that the conflict reduction adds a level of comfort to post-divorce relationships, especially among ex-spouses who co-parent.

No matter the choice of method, spouses who are divorcing should consult with family law attorneys first, so they are aware of their rights.

Source: SILive.com, "The New Deal In Divorce," Elise G. McIntosh, Jan. 3, 2011